Many figures used to calculate Social Security Retirement benefits are revised annually by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency that administers the program. These figures are usually updated in October and can be found in the November issue of the Federal Register, the official government source for administrative changes. Note: the press office www.ssa.gov/pressoffice of the Social Security Administration issues annual updates on the Social Security cost-of-living increases. The figures are reliable and are updated each year after October 1st, based on an examination of changes in the Consumer Price Index since the previous year.

You can also find the figures on the SSA website, or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or TTY at 1-800-325-0778 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. (See also www.ssa.gov.)

Asset Eligibility:

You can have any type of assets of any value without any effect on your benefits. However pensions based on work that was not covered by Social Security may reduce your benefit. See "The Windfall Elimination Provision."

The law and regulations are long and complicated, so it is hard to get a quick overview or to find any specific topic. The best way to get quick, clear information is The Social Security Handbook. The most important information about retirement benefits is Chapter 3.